The system also includes a steel construction platform on which the seeds are filled into the storage boxes fully automatically using a tilting device. The platform and racking are enclosed and form a single unit so that the containers, which can weigh up to 600 kilograms, can be transported directly from the tipping station to the storage location in the racking using a storage and retrieval machine.

The seed specialist KWS is investing heavily in expanding and modernizing the production of sugar beet seed at its Einbeck site. As part of these measures, a new storage area has also been created in which the seed is stored under climate-controlled conditions. For this purpose, the seeds are filled fully automatically into special storage boxes and stored using a storage and retrieval machine. OHRA supplied a racking system precisely tailored to these storage containers as well as a steel construction platform on which the system for loading and unloading the containers is installed.

Enclosure creates a constant climate
In order to create constant, defined environmental conditions for the seed, the entire racking system is enclosed. The special storage boxes, together with the air conditioning of the storage area, ensure that parameters such as temperature and humidity can be set easily and reliably. The entire process of filling and transferring the containers is fully automated.

Unit of racking, platform and storage and retrieval machine
For this storage area, OHRA supplied and installed a 27.3-meter-long pallet rack that provides storage space for approx. 100 storage containers weighing up to 600 kilograms. A steel construction platform, also supplied by OHRA, is directly connected to the racking. The tilting device is installed on it, which is used to fill the seeds transported by conveyor belts or bucket elevators into storage containers positioned below. The containers are then picked up and stored by a storage and retrieval machine from Köttgen, which, like OHRA, is part of the Hölscher Group. The consoles and the guide rail for the storage and retrieval machine were run along the entire length of the system. The racking and platform thus form a single unit. This ensures seamless transportation of the containers from the tilting device to the racking location.

The new racking system makes an important contribution to expanding the capacity of KWS' production facilities. This ensures that the high demand from customers can also be met in future with the expected quality of the goods.